# Best way to time-limit a rails/ruby application **URL:** \ **Category:** Rails\ **Created:** [November 12, 2005, 12:49pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/best-way-to-time-limit-a-rails-ruby-application/47606 "2005-11-12T12:49:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![warrens](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/w/bc79bd/32.png) [@warrens](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/warrens)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2005, 12:49pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/best-way-to-time-limit-a-rails-ruby-application/47606/1 "2005-11-12T12:49:36Z")
Some “Customers” just don’t like to pay their contracting bills. What’s the best way for me to time-limit a ruby/rails application so it stops working if they don’t pay their bills? Warren ---
**Author:** ![warrens](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/w/bc79bd/32.png) [@warrens](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/warrens)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2005, 12:49pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/best-way-to-time-limit-a-rails-ruby-application/47606/2 "2005-11-12T12:49:39Z")
Warren S. wrote: > Some “Customers” just don’t like to pay their contracting bills. What’s > the best way for me to time-limit a ruby/rails application so it stops > working if they don’t pay their bills? Host it yourself 🙂 Justin ---
**Author:** ![warrens](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/w/bc79bd/32.png) [@warrens](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/warrens)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2005, 12:49pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/best-way-to-time-limit-a-rails-ruby-application/47606/3 "2005-11-12T12:49:45Z")
On 11/9/05, Warren S. [removed\_email\_address@domain.invalid](mailto:removed_email_address@domain.invalid) wrote: > Some “Customers” just don’t like to pay their contracting bills. What’s > the best way for me to time-limit a ruby/rails application so it stops > working if they don’t pay their bills? > Warren Probably won’t help you this time around but maybe in the future. - Make clients sign a contract up front and bill periodically as you complete the project. My contracts state I bill for every 3 hours of work done. I usually don’t enforce that, but it’s there if I feel the customer might go sideways on me. I use ACH and debit their account directly, but that’s not always an option especially if you don’t have a strong track record. - Set the correct expectations. What works for me is showing the client that I understand their business, and at the same time telling them no in a few places. You have to say no a few times. It’s just one of those things. For instance a client that wants a whole bunch of features, I’ll come back and say no on at least a few of them. I might come back later and tell them that I found a way to do it. By that time they are grateful because they didn’t expect it to begin with. Overall, be tough but do right by them and be fair to yourself and your client. - Don’t take just anyone. If you have any doubts at all about a clients character walk away. A tough business person trying to get the best deal is one thing. Someone who is just unreasonable is an entirely different story. In the end your problem won’t be solved via technical means, you need to tackle it from another direction one way or another. Chris ---
**Author:** ![warrens](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/w/bc79bd/32.png) [@warrens](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/warrens)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2005, 12:49pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/best-way-to-time-limit-a-rails-ruby-application/47606/4 "2005-11-12T12:49:40Z")
I don’t know how it works in Israel, but here in the USA, I’d recommend consulting an attorney first before inquiring about this sort of thing. Such “time bombs” could get you in more trouble that not getting paid will. Be sure your ass is legally covered.